Biogeochemical relationships of arsenic in the Haor Basin of Bangladesh

M. T A Chowdhury*, A. A. Meharg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Biogeochemical relationships and the level of arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater and surface sediments in the Haor Basin of Bangladesh were assessed to see if surface sediments gave any indication of underlying As cycling. The Haor areas under study have been found to be affected with high As (up to 331 μg/L) in groundwater, with contamination of both shallow and deep aquifers. Highly significant relationships of As with Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) in groundwater and Total Carbon (TC) and Organic Carbon (OC) in sediments are indicative of reductive dissolution of iron (Fe) and/or manganese (Mn) oxides/oxyhydroxides coupled with biodegradation of organic matter as the dominant processes to release As in groundwater. This study also reveals that As geochemistry in the surface sediments has limited influence on As geochemistry in the groundwater of the Haor Basins.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnderstanding the Geological and Medical Interface of Arsenic, As 2012 - 4th International Congress: Arsenic in the Environment
Pages52-53
Number of pages2
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event4th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2012 - Cairns, Australia
Duration: 22 Jul 201227 Jul 2012

Conference

Conference4th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2012
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityCairns
Period22/07/201227/07/2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Pollution

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